Humanes lies on the right bank of the Henares, near the confluence of the Henares and the Sorbe. Its riverside setting, historic architecture, landscape and recurring customs offer various ways to shape a stay. You can focus on cultural history and hiking trails, or plan your trip around one of the special dates.

Architecture and Literature

The Casa-Palacio de los Mendoza is a historic building associated with the Castilian noble house of Mendoza. This connection gives the architectural history of Humanes a specific historical context. Alongside the Church of San Esteban, the building offers another way to explore the history of the town.

The parish church of San Esteban dates from the 16th century. Its austere, Castilian-style columned portico is a distinctive architectural feature. A columned portico is an entrance structure supported by columns; together with its stylistic classification, it draws attention to the design of the building. The church was built by Juan de Iriarte and Juan de Ballesteros. San Esteban can therefore be understood in terms of its period, its form and its two builders.

Another cultural facet is the birthplace of the poet Miguel Alonso Calvo, also known by the name Ramón de Garciasol. Its association with a poet adds a literary biography to the architectural history. Visitors interested in Humanes will find a range of cultural connections here: historic buildings, architectural details and a notable figure associated with the town.

The Campiña and Hiking Trails

The surrounding area is characterized by fields and the gentle hills of the Campiña. Vast irrigated fields lie in the shadow of Mount La Muela. The landscape offers suitable hiking trails. This means that, alongside exploring buildings, spending time outdoors is another option. The riverside setting on the Henares and the proximity to its confluence with the Sorbe add to the picture of the area, which is not defined by any single feature alone.

Traditions at the Start of the Year and in September

Humanes de Mohernando is one of the places associated with the intangible cultural heritage element “Botargas de Guadalajara.” In Humanes, the Botarga makes its way through the town on the morning of January 1, knocking on doors with its club and wishing residents prosperity and a happy new year. The start-of-year date and the New Year’s wishes shape the course of this custom.

The Procession of Fire takes place on the second Saturday in September. It begins at the Hermitage of the Virgen de Peñahora on the banks of the Sorbe and reaches the Church of San Esteban after nightfall. The route is more than two kilometers long. Along the way, piles of straw and hay are set alight, fireworks are set off and torches are carried. Unlike the Botarga, which makes its way through Humanes on the morning of the first day of the year, the Procession of Fire is an evening event in September. If you want to plan your trip around one of these customs, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: El Cubillo De Uceda, Fontanar, Arbancón, Algar De Mesa, Atanzón, Mazuecos, Aldeanueva de Guadalajara, Budia.

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